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2009 Ford Escape Quality Review

July 20, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere
ConsumerGuide

the firmer new foam is an improvement over earlier seats
Automobile.com

ride quality is impressive in all models
Popular Mechanics

With all the improvements made for the 2009 Ford Escape, it's disappointing that Ford doesn't see fit to upgrade the materials. However, the Ford Escape manages to redeem itself somewhat in the area of passenger comfort.

The carlike Ford Escape still retains dimensions befitting a normal-size SUV compared to its growth-hormone-injected competitors. Inside there’s ample room for four adults. ConsumerGuide says that “while the optional sunroof cuts into headroom a bit, most adults should find more than adequate headroom. Legroom is good for most adults, though taller riders would benefit from longer seat tracks.”

The front seats are comfortable, and according to Automobile.com, the “step-in height is reasonable with seat cushion height close enough to hip level for most people to achieve comfortable access. Once in the seats, the firmer new foam is an improvement over earlier seats in support and comfort.” Rear seating, however, seems to fall a little short. “The rear bench seat is lightly contoured for two, but a center passenger is more than an afterthought, and a nearly-flat floor helps,” says Automobile.com. Total passenger volume is 99.4 cubic feet, smaller than some other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V.

When traveling, “ride quality is impressive in all models, and the suspension's compliance soaks up big potholes and surface irregularities surprisingly well,” says Popular Mechanics. ConsumerGuide concurs, contending the Escape’s ride is “pleasant, given the age of its basic design. Bumps are heard more than they're felt. Some float is noticeable at highway speeds, but it's not bothersome.”

Where the Escape gets into trouble is with its cabin materials that were just upgraded last year. "Disappointing overall,” comments ConsumerGuide. “Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures.”

TheCarConnection.com's editors don't like the operation of the folding rear seats. The process is complicated, though; it includes removing the three headrests, folding the seat cushions forward, then unlatching each seatback.

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Escape might aim for a more upscale market, but the interior falls well short.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphereConsumerGuidethe firmer new foam is an improvement over earlier seatsAutomobile.comride quality is impressive in all modelsPopular Mechanics With all the improvements made for the 2009 Ford Escape, it's disappointing that Ford doesn't see fit to upgrade the materials. However, the Ford Escape manages to redeem itself somewhat in the area of passenger comfort. The carlike Ford Escape still retains dimensions befitting a normal-size SUV compared to its growth-hormone-injected competitors. Inside there’s ample room for four adults. ConsumerGuide says that “while the optional sunroof cuts into headroom a bit, most adults should find more than adequate headroom. Legroom is good for most adults, though taller riders would benefit from longer seat tracks.” The front seats are comfortable, and according to Automobile.com, the “step-in height is reasonable with seat cushion height close enough to hip level for most people to achieve comfortable access. Once in the seats, the firmer new foam is an improvement over earlier seats in support and comfort.” Rear seating, however, seems to fall a little short. “The rear bench seat is lightly contoured for two, but a center passenger is more than an afterthought, and a nearly-flat floor helps,” says Automobile.com. Total passenger volume is 99.4 cubic feet, smaller than some other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. When traveling, “ride quality is impressive in all models, and the suspension's compliance soaks up big potholes and surface irregularities surprisingly well,” says Popular Mechanics. ConsumerGuide concurs, contending the Escape’s ride is “pleasant, given the age of its basic design. Bumps are heard more than they're felt. Some float is noticeable at highway speeds, but it's not bothersome.” Where the Escape gets into trouble is with its cabin materials that were just upgraded last year. "Disappointing overall,” comments ConsumerGuide. “Escape's interior imparts a low-buck atmosphere with lots of hard plastic trim and odd panel textures.” TheCarConnection.com's editors don't like the operation of the folding rear seats. The process is complicated, though; it includes removing the three headrests, folding the seat cushions forward, then unlatching each seatback. ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Escape might aim for a more upscale market, but the interior falls well short. 2009 FORD ESCAPE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Popular Mechanics: "Exterior changes are subtle" Automobile Magazine: "receives a redesigned center stack" Car and Driver: "Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish” If you want ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you color within the lines, only a few measure up to the same narrow definition of a compact SUV as the 2009 Ford Escape. Many people admire the styling of the Saturn Vue. Like the Escape, the Vue offers a hybrid option (a second hybrid choice is on the way for the Vue). The Hyundai Tucson drives more like the pre-2009 Escapes, but does so with a low price and an especially long warranty. In terms of driving dynamics, the Honda CR-V is one of our all-time favorites, but some people have a hard time getting past the SUV's styling and the lack of optional V-6 power. However, the SUV that comes closest to the Escape is the Dodge Journey. In terms of styling, the Journey has strong looks that turn heads and plenty of features inside, such as multiple cubbies and rich infotainment options. However, the Journey's interior design isn't pleasing to the eye, and the materials feel subpar for the category—not just in comparison to the Escape.

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See the Ford Escape in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  kingoftheroad88 #1, Posted: 10/11/2009

    I don't know why but the design of this car is totally alien to me. Nevertheless some people like it

  2. By  Car Insurane Maniac #2, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Well this car's security features: a combination of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system could be the best pick of buyers and probably it will lower the insurance rates.

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